Emergency Shelter Network

A Safety Net for Homeless Adults

A testament to the dedication and generosity of New Yorkers from all walks of life, the Emergency Shelter Network’s churches, synagogues and community-based organizations provide companionship and a safe haven each night to hundreds of single adult New Yorkers without a place to call home. Founded and coordinated by the Partnership, over 70 organizations and thousands of volunteers form the backbone of this service, which has been in operation for over 25 years.

Of course, the Partnership’s goal is to find permanent housing for all New Yorkers, but the Network ensures that we don’t leave anyone out in the cold as we work for a better future — and decent and affordable housing for all.

Unlike frightening city shelters that often hold hundreds of people, Emergency Shelter Network sites in all five boroughs serve five to 15 adults in a safe and caring environment staffed by dedicated, trained volunteers. In fact, based on a recent survey, over 85% of the men and women who are guests at these shelters said that they would have chosen the street over a city shelter if a Network bed was unavailable.

The Partnership’s Network ensures that hundreds of people find a place to sleep every night and receive a hot, nutritious meal. Last year, we provided close to 200,000 nights of shelter and 400,000 meals to homeless New Yorkers.

Many of our volunteers do more than staff shelters — they give voice to the homeless men and women we serve by advocating for affordable housing, access to quality health care, and the education and training opportunities that help homeless New Yorkers become financially independent and share in the economic prosperity of our city and nation.

If your congregation or organization would like to become an Emergency Shelter Network site, or you would like to find out more about our advocacy efforts, please contact Zoilo Torres at ztorres@pfth.org or 212.645.3444, ext. 403. More information about volunteering can be found here.

In 2008, the Partnership launched Community Voice Mail (CVM), which enables people living in poverty, transition and homelessness to rebuild their lives by connecting them to jobs, housing, information and hope through a free voice mail account.  The Partnership offers this essential service to all of our clients as well as to clients at other nonprofit organizations assisting low-income communities. If you would like to offer CVM to your client base, please contact Desi Ruiz at druiz@pfth.org or 212.645.3444, ext. 508. Click here for program details.